Ruan’s goal is the winning goal and CF Montreal beats Atlanta United

Ruan’s header goal in the 51st minute gave CF Montreal a 1-0 victory over Atlanta United on Saturday night.

The goal, Ruan’s second of the season, came from a Raheem Edwards cross, his fourth assist of the season.

Montreal (6-9-8, 26 points) had an 11-man advantage for most of the second half. Atlanta defender Stian Gregersen received a second yellow card in the 55th minute for shoving Ruan over the line during a contested midfield scramble.

Gregersen’s first yellow card came in the 38th minute for using his boots in a late tackle on Ariel Lassiter.

Atlanta (6-11-6, 24 points) increased its offensive pressure after Ruan’s goal.

The visitors had two dangerous headers in the box that required defensive saves from Montreal before Gregersen was sent off. Midfielder Victor Wanyama and defender George Campbell made the saves in front of Jonathan Siriois, who didn’t make a save in the win.

Montreal had seven shots on goal to none for Atlanta.

After being reduced to a man, Atlanta adjusted and found more scoring opportunities, but the ball remained open during Montreal’s counterattack.

Montreal turned its defense into scoring opportunities. In the 75th minute, former Atlanta star Josef Martinez had a chance to give the home team a second goal, but Brad Guzan made the save from close range.

In the 88th minute, Guzan made another decisive save, keeping Atlanta in the game. He made six in total.

Martinez’s reunion against his former Atlanta teammates was marked by a narrow goal attempt in the first half. On a set piece, Martinez collected the shot taken at the top of the penalty area. Martinez sent a curling shot toward the top right corner, narrowly missing the post in a scoreless first half.

Montreal won for only the third time in its last 16 games (3-6-7).

–Field level media